O Que Diz a Ciência (What Science Says, free translation), a program produced by TV USP Piracicaba, dedicated an episode to Brazil’s New National Policy for Cancer Prevention and Control, which establishes guidelines to strengthen cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment within Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS).
To discuss the potential impacts of this new regulatory framework, journalist Fabiano Pereira interviewed Prof. Roger Chammas, Professor of Oncology at the Faculdade de Medicina da USP, Director of the Center for Translational Research in Oncology (CTO), a laboratory complex based at the São Paulo State Cancer Institute (Icesp), and Coordinator of the Comprehensive Center for Precision Oncology (C2PO).
During the interview, Prof. Roger Chammas explained how the New National Policy aims to modernize cancer care in Brazil, strengthen collaboration between the Unified Health System (SUS) and research institutions, and expand public access to diagnostic tests, treatments, and high-cost technologies. He also discussed the role of translational research in bridging universities, research centers, and public health decision-makers, ensuring that scientific knowledge is directed toward the real needs of patients and the SUS.
Prof. Chammas also emphasized that the legislation represents a significant step forward by recognizing the importance of the entire oncology knowledge production pipeline, from basic research to the development and incorporation of new technologies for cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. According to him, the major challenge now is to translate the policy’s guidelines into concrete actions that expand public access to innovation and strengthen the SUS.
The interview also explored the connections between the New National Policy and research initiatives conducted at different research centers across Brazil. In this context, Prof. Chammas highlighted C2PO’s role in bringing together expertise from across USP to develop innovative oncology solutions and generate evidence to support the incorporation of new technologies into the SUS.
Another key topic was cancer prevention and the fight against misinformation. Prof. Chammas stressed that expanding public access to reliable scientific information is essential for reducing risk factors, encouraging preventive measures, and improving quality of life. According to him, academia should play a strategic role in this process by transforming the knowledge generated in its research centers into accessible, high-quality information for society.
The full episode is available on YouTube (automatic translation available) and Spotify.
